E-FLAT PORCH BAND MAKING NAME FOR ITSELF

By RYAN BAUER, McKinney Courier Gazette 7-19-00
(Reprinted with permission)
       Most people don't see McKinney as a hotbed of homegrown music, but McKinney's own E-Flat Porch Band hopes to change that.

       The band, which consists of two core members, came together because of a chance meeting over an old refrigerator, said Rudy Littrell, who serves as the band's rhythm section by playing the upright bass in the band.  Little did he know that placing an ad to see the fridge would bring him together with his musical mate, guitarist Duane Brown.

       "They came out and looked at that old, ugly avocado green fridge and they bought it," Littrell said.  "And we got to talking about music."

       That talking led Littrell to invite Brown for some jam sessions with another band he played with, Random Seating.  They later went on to form a duo that first called themselves Two Bald Guys. That working name gave way to what they thought was a more appropriate name.

       The name refers to the unusual behavior of the porch that the band often practices on at Brown's and his wife's house.

       "Rudy noticed that every time he hit an E-flat, the porch would resound to that," said Brown's wife and band publicist, Adah Leah Wolf.

       Wolf describes the band's sound as "porch music," with strong ties to blues, country, country-swing and jazz.

       Instrumentally, Littrell, who often refers to himself as a "recovering percussionist," is the one-man rhythm section.  He plays the bass, a foot pedal-powered high-hat, and sometimes, harmonica.  Brown comes in with his acoustic guitar.

       Referring to the music they play and write, Littrell said, "It's kind of a blend of Americana and acoustic music.  We use several styles--blues, jazz, country and rock, even classical."

       And, with the more recent addition of another player, Chris Davies, the band has added a distinctly bluegrass flavor to its repertory. . .

       "Our motto has kind of been 'Keep it simple, stupid. Keep it tasteful and sing the words so people can understand them.'"

       Brown and Wolf's neighbors have gotten to know the band's sound intimately, Wolf said.  They often stop by to listen as the band practices on the porch on Friday nights.

       "A lot of times our neighbors will just come by," Wolf said.  "Sometimes people will come by just walking their dog."

       The band does get around, though, having played gigs from Tucson to the Texas Hill Country and many place in between.   They've played folk and blues festivals in Denton, San Antonio and elsewhere.

       Though their CD is almost sold out and they recently were one of only two performers in Collin County recognized by the Texas Commission on the Arts, for now, the band members are keeping their day jobs.

       "A man once told me that in this business there are professionals and hobbyists," Littrell said.  "I think we're professional hobbyists."